Hi! I have a question about a guy, help pls?

so I have a guy friend, we were not too close at first, but suddenly he's been showing a lot of signs that shows he likes me (hug me, hold my hand, mock strangling, leaning on my shoulder, and many more). but he told me that he isn't interested in dating as long as he's in college, but whenever we're alone he's always trying to hug me etc, but its clear that he's keeping his distance when everybody else is around. why is that? does he like me? does he even interested in dating me?